Not an event many of us here will be able to get to, but still thought it worthy of mentioning -- APRIL 26th - east of Pittsburgh

FROM CHUCK ...

Chuck & Richie -- about our show April 26th at the White Oak American legion (hoping to persuade John Papi to attend too) ...

it was in the 1960s when the three of us became long time musical Brothers. Richie Merritt and I both worked with John Papi and we have so many great memories. After the Entrees and I broke up, I joined John Papi and his trio. And that's when I officially met the great Richie Merritt. I knew of his work and his success, but never officially met him until John introduced us -- I believe actually it was at the Panther Room on Route 51 ... then again at John's Cocktail Garage on route 51. I remember when Richie would come in and he would tear the house down and he's still doing that today 

.John Papi has retired but still a big part of our lives. He was a big part of our careers, and hopefully he will be there on the 26th of April and share some of our great memories. As you will know, in this business it's full of jealousy, larger than life. He goes with an honestly, says it from the heart. Richie and I both love and respect John Papi, as a man and for his tremendous talent. He is one of the best that ever played the B3 organ and quite a businessman. Richie I am truly looking forward to the three of us hopefully being together one more time.

Edited March 31Mar 31 by Roburt

Anybody got a copy of either of these (picture of group also added) ... 

Just touched base with Chuck again. 

CHUCK: Just put a call in to Richie Merritt in Florida we'll be going over the details for the show April 26th at the White Oak American legion. Richie and I have many memories of working together over the many years we've known each other. We have share the stage with some of the greatest performers in the country. One of the greatest memories is when we were both performing in Atlantic City back in the day, Richie was performing at Trump Plaza with the Clovers I was at Trop world with my group The quiet Storm. Like I said we have known each other since the 60s but never did a show on stage together until now. We are both truly looking forward to it and I'm starting to really get pumped up about the I've always been a big fan of Richie. When we were in Atlantic City I enjoyed Richie and the Clovers so much I went back twice to watch the show once alone and the second time with the members of my group. This would be a great experience for both of us and be able to work together in front of our hometown audience .We're hoping that we'll see you April 26th White Oak American legion White Oak PA

Richie was in lots of Pittsburgh doo-wop / soul groups in the 60's & 70's. He had a stint in the military (1966-68) when he was based in Europe & performing on USO shows over there when off duty. He sang lead for the Electrons from 68, then moved on to front the Vibrators. After that he had spells with the Drifters, Marcels & the Clovers. Richie was with the Clovers in Atlantic City in the 90's when Chuck was also performing there with his Quiet Storm group. Richie relocated to Florida some time back, he does shows there as 'Richie Merritt & The Gems' featuring a revue that salutes Little Anthony, Marvin Gaye, Jackie Wilson and similar soul acts.

Edited April 3Apr 3 by Roburt

Richie in concert ...

 

Edited April 4Apr 4 by Roburt

On 31/03/2025 at 12:19, Roburt said:

Anybody got a copy of either of these (picture of group also added) ... 

Never seen, just these

3 minutes ago, Blackpoolsoul said:

Never seen, just these

Yes, Chuck re-recorded his song as a (near) solo effort. But, along with his then group (Four + 1) he'd first cut it (under Gene Redd's supervision) @ Golden World. They had help in the studio from the Fantastic 4 - as did Edwin on his version of "Real Humdinger". Gene R went off to NY with the master tape. After not hearing anything from Gene for around 4 weeks, Chuck panicked & decided he need to re-cut it. The rest of the group disagreed (wanting to wait to see if their Detroit version would gain release). They were so against his decision to record the song again, that they split with him (hence the 2nd recording being badged as by a new line-up; just Chuck & some new guys PLUS 3 femme NY studio backing singers). I believe the GW version was cut around April 66  -- so just weeks after Edwin (with the Fantastic 4) had done his version of "Real Humdinger".

Posters for the upcoming show now printed ....